Got your monthly spending covered and don’t know what to do with the extra money? A bonus treat for colleagues is planned but still feeling guilt within? Islam is a wide religion that helps us to grow in this world as well as in the hereafter. There are numerous ways to earn rewards from Allah and here is another wonderful and surprising way to get rewarded as spending on a family is rewarding in Islam. It is not only rewarding but also fulfilling the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Is not it a very interesting activity that is variously rewarding? Firstly, fulfilling the sunnah. secondly, spending your money on your family will make them prospective and connected. When you spend anything dear to you for Allah, you will also be rewarded and an act of a momin. [1]
In the worldly standpoint, it helps us to make our relationship strong with our family and relatives. In the Holy Quran, Allah (SWT) says:
وَءَاتِ ذَا ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُۥ وَٱلْمِسْكِينَ وَٱبْنَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا
“Give to close relatives their due, as well as the poor and ˹needy˺ travelers. And do not spend wastefully.” [2]
This verse emphasizes providing for one’s family and upholding their rights. Islam allows us to follow the guidelines of our Prophet (peace be upon him). And He has mentioned and stressed the matter of spending on the family.
One of the hadiths narrated: Thawban narrates that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon Him) said:
“The best dinar a man spends is the dinar which he spends on his family, the dinar which he spends on his companions in the Way of Allah, and the dinar which he spends on his riding animal in the Way of Allah.” [3]
Understanding Spending on the Family
Islam teaches that spending on the family is not just a financial obligation but also a means of gaining reward from Allah (SWT). Spending on the family has many additional advantages than meeting financial commitments and fostering love and respect among family members. For instance, it aids in developing a sense of security and stability within the family and increases the connection between family members. In turn, this fosters personal fulfillment and advances society’s general welfare. Our Prophet’s (peace be upon him) Sunnah has shown us that even spending on our family is an act of worship. He said:
“When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah’s reward it is regarded as Sadaqa for him.” [4]
And hence, it is evident that providing for the family is a moral obligation. As a result, a way to earn Allah (SWT)’s favor. Spending money on family members satisfies a person’s financial responsibilities, fosters family love and harmony, and makes Allah (SWT)’s reward in the process.
Spending on the family encourages affection among the members and relatives and promotes respect. Islam strongly emphasizes treating family members kindly and respectfully, and providing for them is one way. When someone spends money on their family, they give them financial assistance and show them how much they care and love them. It becomes clear how much we appreciate them and the family bond is positively affected.
Narrated `Umar:
“The properties of Bani An-Nadir which Allah had transferred to His Apostle as Fai Booty were not gained by the Muslims with their horses and camels. The properties, therefore, belonged especially to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) who used to give his family their yearly expenditure and spend what remained thereof on arms and horses to be used in Allah’s Cause.” [5]
Similarly, spending money on family members aids in carrying out one’s obligations to them. In Islam, every family member has a duty and purpose. And each family member should try their best to fulfill those duties. For example, in a normal family dynamic, initial care for the children is through the wife while the husband takes care of the financial aspect of the household. Since the parents must maintain and sustain the well-being of their children, even the children are supposed to always respect their elders.
Spending as an Act of Kindness
Spending on the family satisfies one’s financial commitments to family members and aids in upholding one’s obligations to them. Such an act fosters a home harmony climate and a sense of respect and understanding between family members.
In the Quran, Allah (SWT) says:
وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَنفَقُوا۟ لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا۟ وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا۟ وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًۭا
“˹They are˺ those who spend neither wastefully nor stingily, but moderately in between.” [6]
This passage stresses the significance of making balanced financial decisions for your family, avoiding excessive overspending or underspending. One of the most satisfying things an Islamic person can do is spend money on his family. The family unit plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ character and upbringing, and Islam’s teachings highly encourage the act. In the hadith, Abu Hurairah (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
“Of the dinar you spend as a contribution in Allah’s path, or to set free a slave, or as a sadaqah given to a needy, or to support your family, the one yielding the greatest reward is that which you spent on your family.” [7]
This hadith highlights the significance of spending on family members and categorizes it as the best form of charity. By spending on the family, a person fulfills their financial obligations towards them and earns a reward from Allah (SWT).
Looking at the significant aspects of Islamic views, we can easily see that a great reward is set for spending on one’s family. We earn the favor of Allah (SWT) by doing such a deed. Narrated Abu Masud Al-Badri:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “A man’s spending on his family is a deed of charity.” [8]
Meeting the financial, emotional, and physical needs of the family is referred to as a generous deed. Spending money on one’s family is a demonstration of one’s compassion and affection for them. Such deeds promote sentiments of gratitude and appreciation within the family, and this gratitude enhances their relationship. It fosters a positive atmosphere in the household and promotes emotional support for each member.
Spending More than Money
Family costs also cover emotional and mental assistance in addition to financial help. A person performs their obligations and contributes to the emotional health of the family by taking care of each member. Such support allows a family to sustain itself with stable foundations.
In a hadith, Thauban reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
“The most excellent dinar is one that a person spends on his family, and the dinar which he spends on his animal in Allah’s path, and the dinar he spends on his companions in Allah’s path. Abu Qilaba (one of the narrators) said: He (the narrator) started with family, and then Abu Qilaba said: Who is the person with a greater reward than a person who spends on young members of his family (and thus) preserves (saves them from want) (and by virtue of which) Allah brings profit for them and makes them rich.” [9]
Practical Benefits of Spending on the Family
We know that Islamic teaching places a strong emphasis on the importance of spending on the family, which is a basic Islamic principle. Islam urges Muslims to retain strong family relationships by honoring their financial needs and obligations to family members since Islam views the family as the basis of society. Let’s understand the rewards for spending on the family:
Strengthening Family Ties
Strengthening Family Ties
Islam considers the family a holy institution, with each member having obligations and responsibilities to the others. A person may demonstrate their love and care for their family members by providing for them, which creates gratitude and appreciation in family members. Ibn’ Umar reported that,“Nothing that a man spends on himself and his family, anticipating a reward from Allah, will fail to be rewarded by Allah Almighty. He should begin with those whose support is his responsibility. If there is something left over, he should spend it on his next nearest relative and then the next nearest. If there is still something left over, he can give it away.” [10]
Being a part of society’s overall well-being
A secure and loving family environment is essential to a healthy society. When families are strong and stable, it benefits the community, encouraging peace and harmony. Spending money on the family also promotes emotional support. Spending on the family meets their fundamental necessities, such as food, housing, and clothes. Jabir b. Samura reported God’s Messenger as saying:
“When God prospers any of you he should spend first on himself and his family.” [11]
Fulfilling such obligations provides a good and supportive atmosphere inside the household, thereby decreasing stress and anxiety among family members.
Promoting Good Deeds
It is obvious analysis that Islam regards spending on the family as a form of worship. Every act of worship reaps its rewards. The more we act in the worship of Allah, the better chances of Paradise we attain. Allah (SWT) has granted us the ease of worshipping Him through our routine acts. And that includes spending on the family. Abu Mas’ud narrates that the Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon him) said:
“When a man spends on his family, seeking reward for that, that is an act of charity on his part.” [12]
This hadith highlights the spiritual benefits of spending on the family and promotes good deeds among Muslims.
Developing Strong Morals
Spending money on family members also helps them establish strong morals. A person learns the value of responsibility, honesty, and integrity by completing their financial duties to family members. These qualities are necessary for forming a solid and ethical society, and encouraging these values inside the family helps the general growth of the community.
Fostering a sense of security and stability
Crime, substance misuse, and adolescent delinquency are societal issues less likely to occur in a stable home setting. Children who grow up in a pleasant home where they feel comfortable and loved can develop into well-adjusted and emotionally stable individuals.
Spiritual Benefits of Spending on Family
Moreover, spending on the family also has spiritual benefits. For instance, we have already established that Islam regards spending on the family as a great form of worship. As a result, Allah (SWT) rewards a person greatly for meeting his financial duties to his family. One receives the blessings and kindness of Allah (SWT) and enhances their likelihood of entering Paradise after death by asking Allah (SWT) for a reward for their household’s income.
Furthermore, Islam also regards spending on the family as a form of devotion, earning Allah’s (SWT) favor and reward. Allah (SWT) has promised enormous blessings to people who spend on their families. This principle is more emphasized in various verses of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) sayings. Now let us examine how Allah rewards those who spend money on their families.
Rewards in this life
One of the rewards of spending on the family is the blessings and increase in the provision that Allah (SWT) provides. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا ٱسْتَطَعْتُمْ وَٱسْمَعُوا۟ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ وَأَنفِقُوا۟ خَيْرًۭا لِّأَنفُسِكُمْ ۗ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ 0 إِن تُقْرِضُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًۭا يُضَـٰعِفْهُ لَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ شَكُورٌ حَلِيمٌ
“So be mindful of Allah to the best of your ability, hear and obey, and spend in charity—that will be best for you. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their own souls, it is they who are ˹truly˺ successful. If you lend Allah a good loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. For Allah is Most Appreciative, Most Forbearing.” [13]
This verse highlights that Allah (SWT) rewards those who are generous and spend for His sake by increasing their wealth and forgiving their sins.
An Opportunity for Jannah
It is an opportunity for us to enter Jannah with ease when we spend on the family. Because it gives us rewards and is an act of worship. Allah loves it when we show compassion to others for His sake. Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
“Of the dinar you spend as a contribution in Allah’s path, or to set free a slave, or as a sadaqa given to a needy, or to support your family, the one yielding the greatest reward is that which you spent on your family.” [14]
This hadith highlights that spending on the family is the easiest way to earn the reward of Allah (SWT).
Protection from the Fire of Hell
Spending on the family is also a means of protection from the Fire of Hell. That is because, by spending on the family, a person earns the reward and security of Allah (SWT). It results from protection from the punishment of the Fire of Hell. Narrated Abu Mas’ud Al-Ansari:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah’s reward, it is regarded as Sadaqa for him.” [15]
We can understand from this hadith that spending on our family increases our Sadqa Jariya. This act will intercede for us during the Day of Judgment, protecting us from Hellfire.
Increased blessings and happiness
Allah (SWT) also promises increased blessings and happiness for those who spend on their family. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَنُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ فِى ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
And those who believe and do righteous deeds – We will surely admit them among the righteous [into Paradise]. [16]
By spending on the family, a person earns the blessings and mercy of Allah (SWT), which leads to increased happiness and contentment in this life and the Hereafter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, spending on the family is an act of worship that earns the reward and blessings of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) has promised great rewards and benefits in this life and the Hereafter for those who spend on their family, including Paradise, protection from the Fire of Hell, increased blessings and happiness, and greater love and respect from family members. It is not just a financial obligation but also a means of gaining reward from Allah (SWT), promoting mutual love and respect among family members, and creating a harmonious environment in the household.
It also contributes to general well-being since it brings countless advantages to individuals and society. The family relationship is strengthened, emotional support is encouraged, a sense of security and stability is promoted, good acts are enabled, and strong values are developed among family members when people complete their financial commitments to family members. Therefore, Muslims must emphasize family spending and preserve close family relations to contribute to the community’s development and connections.
Spending on the Family in Islam is rewarding and is part of an amazing series of content. For more, you are very much encouraged to follow our whole series Time to Revive where we discuss the forgotten sunnah or Prophet Muhammad Peace be Upon Him and try to revive them by considering most of the perspectives of the modern world. Reading them and making them a habit is now your choice.
By Joweria Shahid
References
- Al-Quran (Surah Alī- Imran 03:92)
- Al-Quran (Surah Al-Isra 17:26)
- Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 748: Book 32, Hadith 3
- Sahih al-Bukhari 5351: Book 69, Hadith 1
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2904: Book 56, Hadith 118
- Al-Quran (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:67)
- Sahih Muslim 995: Book 12, Hadith 48
- Sahih al-Bukhari 4006: Book 64, Hadith 57
- Sahih Muslim 994: Book 12, Hadith 47
- Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 62: Book 2, Hadith 16
- Mishkat al-Masabih 3343: Book 13, Hadith 257
- Sunan an-Nasa’i 2545: Book 23, Hadith 111
- Al-Quran (Surah At-Taghabun 64:16-17)
- Sahih Muslim 995: Book 12, Hadith 48
- Sahih al-Bukhari 5351: Book 69, Hadith 1
- Al-Quran (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:9)
